Harris County Precinct 5 Deputy Killed During Traffic Stop: HPD

HOUSTON, TX — A Harris County Precinct 5 deputy was shot and killed during a traffic stop early Sunday in southwest Houston, according to the Precinct 5 Constable's Office.

Corporal Charles Galloway made a traffic stop on the 9100 block of Beechnut Street in the Chinatown area at approximately 12:45 a.m. Sunday when the driver got out of his car and shot at Galloway's patrol car, hitting him multiple times, authorities said. Galloway died at the scene, police said.

Galloway didn't have a chance to defend himself, according to Precinct 5 Constable Ted Heap.

"Corporal Galloway was very much loved by the men and women he served with," Heap said in a statement. "There's a lot of broken up officers who he meant a lot to in their lives."

Witnesses described the shooter as a Hispanic man driving a white newer model Toyota Avalon who fled after shooting, according to the Houston Police Department, which is leading the investigation. Witnesses said the suspect used an "assault-type weapon," Houston Police Chief Troy Finner said.

A suspect has not yet been named.

"This is senseless. It makes no sense whatsoever," Finner said. "A message to this suspect: the best thing you can do is turn yourself in peacefully."

Heap, Finner and Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo all made pleas for a recent rise in violence in the county to end in a news conference Sunday.

"I offer my condolences to the family of Charles Galloway. I am just heartbroken. This is a tragedy that no one should face," Hidalgo said. "I saw a group of law enforcement officers that worked with this hero, and what I see is committed people dedicated to service and sacrifice for the sake of this county's public safety, who now have to wonder even more what happens every time they go out there on the streets and leave their families behind."

Galloway, who was 47 years old, was with the Constable's Office for over 12 years and served in multiple parts of the patrol division, most recently with the toll road division. Galloway served as a mentor for new officers as a field training officer, Heap said.